After a long Covid-induced period when the public avoided large gatherings, owners of malls and retail lifestyle centers are increasingly focused on attracting tenants that provide opportunities for socialization. Pent-up demand for experiences involving gatherings of people is fueling renovations and redesigns of large retail developments, according to an ALM report.
In some cases, this leads to conversion of stores selling goods to spaces for service-oriented tenants. Some owners have redeveloped former box stores for nontraditional tenants such as fitness brands, office spaces, and food and beverage amenities.
Mall developers are seeking a consistent level of activity within shopping centers via a greater proportion of “social” tenants to attract enough foot traffic to support other businesses. From an overall design standpoint, inviting patios, accessibility, and visibility are top priorities.
Developers are also finding that innovative small businesses can be sources of new trends that infuse retail centers with new vitality.
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